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About the Role

• Enhance organisational performance and mission impact across the Federation in relation to AAI’s Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) and the mission objectives within the AAI Strategy by focusing on enhancing quality programme design, implementation and innovation; as well as monitoring and evaluation.
• Ensure greater integration between local, national and international programmes.
• Promote AAI in wider development debates, externally positioning AAI’s development approach to help build stronger networks, people movements and alliances. 

Direct Reports

• 1x Humanitarian Director
• 1x Head of Programme Development
• 1x Head of Monitoring and Evaluation
• 1x Team Administrator
• 1x Programme Coordinator
• 1x Transparency & Accountability Advisor

Key Activities

People Leadership and Management

• As a member of the International Leadership Team (ILT); act as a key change agent, reinforce AAI’s mission, vision and values and make informed decisions;
• Lead and manage the Programme Development, Quality and Impact (PDQI) Directorate within a clear performance management framework, promoting a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, positive communication and teamwork;
• Ensure good management practice is continued at all levels within the PDQI Directorate;
• Interpret and apply all AAI’s HR policies consistently and effectively, and ensure that all staff are aware and compliant;
• Champion women’s leadership and empowerment.

Strategy, Planning and Budgets

• As a member of the ILT, participate in the development of AAI’s international strategy;
• Use AAI’s strategy and objectives to lead the design, implementation and management of the PDQI Directorate and project plans, engaging staff and other stakeholders in the process;
• Assess and respond to changes in the external environment ensuring that these changes are reflected in the PDQI Directorate’s strategy and project plans;
• Develop and be accountable for the budget of the entire PDQI Directorate.

Programme Development

• Ensure specialist and technical programmatic support for countries with the appropriate tools and content analysis;
• Promote and co-ordinate the sharing of best practice across the Federation;
• Identify opportunities for innovation and programmatic alternatives that provide sustainable solutions in AAI’s efforts to eradicate poverty;
• Lead the Directorate as the custodian of a repository of tools, content, program approach and best practice;
• Ensure integration with policy, campaigns, advocacy and research;
• Support and provide the tools for better integration between local, national and international programmes;
• Support the implementation of the International Platforms and ensure integrated planning between countries and International Secretariat (IS) units for each of the mission objectives;
• Oversee the preparation of cross-country funding proposals and follow through on delivery.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit

• Develop and support the implementation of monitoring and evaluation methods, with tools and skills aligned to HRBA;
• Drive the Quality assurance of evaluations and key processes on selected technical reviews;
• Set standards for M&E requirements;
• Drive the central system for monitoring the international strategy;
• Build Campaigns M&E capacity;
• Co-ordinate the EAGLES (Evaluation and Accountability Global Leaders) network;
• Ensure monitoring and evaluation of AAI’s performance in other organisational areas beyond programmes.

Emergencies 

• Support country preparedness in emergencies and build resilience;
• Manage Emergency funds;Support existing capacity of Members/Countries to deliver emergency response;
• Facilitate country leadership of preparedness planning and emergency response;
• Lead and/or oversee timely, agile and HRBA-led humanitarian responses. 

Program Quality

• Promote platforms for sharing best practice and identify countries that have knowledge and best practice;
• Ensure that a repository of programmatic knowledge is kept up to date;
• Ensure that AAI’s partnership policies are updated and applied.

Capacity Development

• Collaborate to build the capacity of PDQI and seek synergies with Policy, Research, Advocacy and Campaigns (PRAC) directorate, make use of skills at country level in programme development and PRAC;
• Build partners’ capacity on HRBA. Work with the capacity building team and with countries in supporting capacity development of staff and partners.

Financial Management Responsibilities 

• Manage and take responsibility for budget, including delegated responsibility for resources within approved limits;
• Prepare activity-based budgets and monitor actual monthly spend against these budgets, including providing relevant accruals and explanations for variances;
• Approve all transactions (including amendments) to the budget;
• Act within the parameters set by International Secretariat financial policies and procedures.

Others

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to develop, promote and practise AAI’s vision, mission, values and strategy;
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Gender issues with a strong focus on women’s leadership;
• Collaborate on cross functional learning, participate (where applicable) in international platforms and cross functional project initiatives within AAI;
• Promote, practise and contribute to continuous improvement in the areas of transparency and accountability in line with the AAI Accountability Charter;
• Support the International Board’s Committees;
• The role holder will also be required to carry out any other duties that are within the scope of the job from time to time.

Person Specification

Education, Language & Qualifications

• Master’s Degree with significant experience working in programmes development;
• Excellent understanding and experience of HRBA, program quality and impact assessment;
• Good command of the English language, both verbal and written.

Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience 

• A high achieving, experienced and dynamic professional with a proven ability to develop the kind of clear strategies required for the PDQI Directorate;
• Proven experience of managing/leading a large diversified team, with a focus on high performance and problem solving;
• Proven experience of promoting women leaders and gender-aware programme development;
• Proven track record of facilitative, collaborative team management to drive a culture of accountability and ownership along with a natural ability to network and build successful lasting relationships;
• Outstanding communications skills across various cultures;
• Commercial acumen, with strategy and planning expertise as well as financial and budgeting expertise and a flair for innovation;
• Commitment to AAI’s vision, mission and values;
• Proven experience in program development at local and national levels;
• Proven experience in international development;
• Proven experience in impact assessment;
• Proven experience in multi-stakeholder management.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience working at an International Leadership Level, including working with Boards;
• Knowledge of other international languages such as Spanish, Portuguese and French is desirable.

Competency Profile

• Strategic Perspective – Demonstrates understanding of the Organisation’s priorities and goals and analyses complex problems effectively.
• Change Management – Uses effective strategies to facilitate organisation change initiatives and overcome resistance to change by involving others, listening and building commitment.
• Decisiveness– Prefers quick and appropriate actions in many management situations.
• Leading Employees – Attracts, motivates, and develops employees.
• Building Collaborative Relationships – Builds productive working relationships with co-workers and external parties, whilst valuing people of different backgrounds, cultures and demographics.
• Communication – Expresses ideas clearly and concisely; disseminates information about decisions and plans.
• Leading with Purpose– Has personal direction and is not easily sidetracked by details or workload.
• Credibility– Acts in accordance with stated values; follows through on promises; uses ethical considerations to guide decisions and actions.
• Taking Initiative – Takes charge and capitalizes on opportunities.